Jimmy Kimmel Live! Makes a Splash with 6.26 Million Viewers: What ABC and Disney Have to Say

“Jimmy Kimmel Live!” made headlines after its return on Tuesday night, drawing in 6.26 million viewers. This number is impressive, especially considering that about 23% of TV households across the U.S. couldn’t tune in due to preemptions. For context, Kimmel’s average viewership during the last season was just 1.42 million.

This episode was notable for another reason: it was the first time Kimmel publicly addressed his recent suspension. He received backlash for comments made about conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s death. Kimmel clarified, “It was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. I don’t think there’s anything funny about it.”

On social media, Kimmel’s monologue has become a viral moment. The lengthy piece racked up over 26 million views across platforms, indicating a strong interest in his return. CNN reported that it attracted the highest ratings in the 18 to 49 age group in over ten years.

Kimmel even joked about his critics, saying, “[Trump] tried his best to cancel me. Instead, he forced millions of people to watch the show. Backfired bigly.” This playful jab reflects his knack for turning controversy into humor.

However, the show’s return faced challenges. Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair, owning around 70 ABC affiliate stations, decided to preempt the broadcast. This means many viewers missed out entirely. The decision came after comments from Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr, which hinted that ABC might risk losing broadcast licenses due to Kimmel’s remarks.

According to recent discussions, both Nexstar and Sinclair are still contemplating the future of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and engaging in talks with Disney about the show’s potential return to their affiliates.

In summary, Kimmel’s comeback episode not only attracted a huge audience but also sparked discussions about censorship and the impact of media ownership on viewership. This incident highlights the ongoing tension between creators and corporate interests in today’s media landscape.

For more insights on media influence, you can check out this report from Pew Research.

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